Chemistry 2004 JAMB Past Questions - Question 35: Carbon is tetravalent because

Correct Answer

C

Explanation

Carbon is tetravalent because the 2s and 2p atomic orbitals hybridize. In the ground state, a carbon atom has two electrons in the 2s orbital and two electrons in the 2p orbitals. To achieve a more stable and energetically favorable arrangement, carbon undergoes hybridization.

Hybridization involves the mixing of atomic orbitals to form hybrid orbitals. In the case of carbon, it undergoes sp3 hybridization, where one 2s orbital and three 2p orbitals combine to form four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are then used for bonding, resulting in four sigma bonds.

The hybridization allows carbon to form four covalent bonds, making it tetravalent. This is a key feature that enables carbon to participate in a variety of molecular structures and exhibit a diverse range of compounds, including hydrocarbons and organic molecules.